Does norwegian air lost luggage

Actionable step before check-in: keep valuables and at least one full change of clothes in your carry-on, attach an external name tag, photograph packed contents and the baggage tag stub, and fit a small Bluetooth tracker if you want live location updates. Print or screenshot the booking reference and baggage receipt – those numbers are required for any report.

At the airport and immediately after arrival: confirm the tag on the carousel label matches your booking; if an item is not delivered, go to the carrier’s baggage desk and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) on the spot, obtain the reference number and the contact details for follow-up. Use the carrier’s mobile app or web portal to check tracking; call the service centre only with the PIR number to speed handling.

Claims, timelines and compensation: international conventions cap checked-bag liability at 1,288 SDR (around USD 1,600–1,700); file notification of damaged items within 7 days of delivery and report delayed or non-delivered baggage within 21 days from the date it should have been delivered. Keep all receipts for emergency purchases and repair/replacement invoices – insurers and carriers require original proofs for reimbursement.

Practical risk-reduction and escalation tips: avoid checking high-value electronics and jewelry; pack small essentials in carry-on; label both exterior and interior of the suitcase; follow up using the PIR reference and escalate to the carrier’s complaints unit or your credit-card insurer if no resolution within the carrier’s published timeframe. If you have travel insurance, notify the insurer immediately and forward the PIR and receipts to start an interim reimbursement claim.

Quick recommendation on this carrier’s baggage handling

If checked baggage is missing after travel with this carrier, file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the arrival desk immediately, keep the PIR reference, retain boarding pass and bag tags, photograph the tag and claim form, and submit a formal claim within the statutory time limits below.

Immediate actions

At the airport: obtain a PIR, ask for a tracking reference (WorldTracer or carrier-specific), request the local baggage office phone/email, and note the expected delivery window. For short-term essentials (toiletries, clothing) keep receipts – those are reimbursable in many cases. If bags arrive damaged, photograph damage and the exterior tag before leaving the airport.

Risk reduction and practical tips

Prefer a carry-on for valuables and critical documents. Use a hard-shell case, external tag plus an internal label with contact details, and remove previous airline tags. Photograph packed contents and the closed suitcase exterior before check-in to speed claims. Allow at least 90 minutes for domestic connections and 120–150 minutes for international transfers when itinerary includes separate ground transfers or interline connections.

Common risk factors: tight connection times, multiple segments on one itinerary, codeshare/interline transfers, and peak-season operations. When purchasing replacements or protective covers, consider durable cleaning options – e.g. a best pressure washer with detergent tank for vigorous exterior cleaning of hard-shell cases.

Report missing baggage immediately after arrival

Report the missing bag at the arrivals baggage service desk before you leave the terminal and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a written reference number.

1. Find the baggage service or handling agent desk near the carousel; if no desk is visible, ask airport information or the carrier transfer desk for the ground handling contact.
2. Present these documents: boarding pass, passport/ID, itinerary and the baggage claim tags. Read out or show the tag number(s) on the spot.
3. Give a precise description: brand, colour, size, distinctive marks, last-known carousel and any external damage. Note unique contents if relevant (electronics, medical items).
4. Receive and record the PIR reference, handler name, a direct phone number or email and the reported expected tracing timeframe. Request delivery options and confirm the local delivery address and mobile number to be used.
5. Photograph the baggage tag stub, the carousel area and any visible damage; keep digital and printed copies of the PIR and photos.
6. If you must leave the airport and no desk was available, call the carrier’s baggage tracing hotline shown on airport monitors or the carrier’s official website and provide the PIR details as soon as possible.
7. Buy urgent replacement items only if necessary; keep all receipts and write the PIR reference on them for future reimbursement claims.
8. File a formal online claim using the PIR reference through the carrier’s official claims portal within the time limits stated on your ticket; attach copies of boarding pass, baggage tags, PIR, photos and receipts.

Keep a single folder (digital and paper) with: boarding pass, baggage tag images, PIR, handler contact, photos, purchase receipts and the online claim confirmation number.

How to use the carrier’s online baggage tracing and what details to provide

Open the carrier’s baggage tracing portal, complete the tracing form and attach photos and documents; include booking reference (PNR) and e‑ticket number on the first line of the form.

Exact identifiers to enter: booking reference (PNR), e‑ticket number, flight number and date, origin and destination airports, bag tag number(s) from your boarding pass or baggage receipt, and the PIR/irregularity report number if you received one at the airport.

Bag description: brand, main colour, material (hard/soft), size (small/medium/large or dimensions), estimated weight, visible damage or markings, identifying stickers or ribbons, type of handle/wheels/locks, and unique features (scuffs, tape, labels).

Contents summary: list high-value items separately (electronics, cameras, jewelry) with make, model and serial numbers; provide approximate value and attach purchase receipts or serial-number photos where available.

Photos and file attachments: upload a clear close-up of the bag tag, three-angle photos of the suitcase (front, back, top) and any distinctive marks, plus scans/photos of boarding pass and receipts. Use JPG/PNG/PDF and keep each file below portal limits (compress if needed).

Contact and delivery details: provide one mobile number with country code, an email address you check, and a delivery address at your destination (street, postcode, city). Add an alternative contact and preferred delivery time windows.

Form text tips: use specific item names (e.g., “black Samsonite spinner 28in with yellow sticker”), avoid vague phrases like “personal items”, write serial numbers exactly, and include arrival carousel and time if known.

After submission expect an automated acknowledgment and a tracing reference; monitor the portal or emails daily. If there is no status change within 48–72 hours, call the airline’s baggage tracing centre quoting the tracing reference and PIR number. Keep all receipts for interim purchases and originals for any compensation claim; if the bag remains unlocated, the standard claim period begins at 21 days from the flight date.

What compensation, daily allowances and timeframes the carrier offers for missing baggage

Claim under the Montreal Convention: maximum carrier liability for checked baggage is 1,288 SDR (approx. €1,500 / $1,700 as of mid‑2024); file a written claim with receipts and the PIR reference within the statutory windows listed below.

Emergency daily expenses: carriers reimburse reasonable essential purchases (toiletries, one set of clothing, medication) while checked items are delayed. Typical practice: reimbursements in the range of €50–€100 per day for each day the bag is not delivered, usually for up to 3–5 days; always keep original, itemised receipts – credit card authorisation slips alone are not enough.

Statutory time limits and carrier response times: submit a written claim for delayed baggage within 21 days from the date the bag is made available to the passenger; for damaged items submit within 7 days of receipt; for total non‑recovery treat as a loss and start claim procedures within 21 days. The general limitation period to bring legal action is two years from date of arrival. Expect an acknowledgement from the carrier within 14–30 days and a final decision or settlement within 30–90 days; if no response in 60–90 days, escalate to the national aviation authority or consumer protection body.

Required documentation for full compensation: PIR reference and copy of the PIR form; boarding pass and booking confirmation; baggage tag copies; original purchase receipts or proof of value; photos of damaged items and any packaging; serial numbers for electronics; repair estimates if applicable. If high‑value items were carried, prior declaration at check‑in and payment of an excess liability fee are necessary to increase the carrier’s limit.

How reimbursements are calculated: carrier pays proven replacement cost up to the Montreal Convention limit (1,288 SDR) minus any salvage value; depreciation may be applied for used items. If receipts are missing, partial compensation is possible but will be reduced. Use travel insurer or credit‑card baggage cover to top up any shortfall and include copies of insurer settlements when submitting a claim to the carrier.

Practical recommendations: use a small secure carry item for essentials – e.g. best fid travel waist belt fanny pack – keep electronic copies of receipts and photos, submit claims by recorded email or portal, and maintain a chronological folder of all correspondence to speed settlement or escalation if required.

Which documents and receipts you must collect to support a missing baggage claim

Collect the following originals at the airport and retain them until your claim is fully settled.

• Boarding pass (original) – full stub showing flight number, date and passenger name.
• Checked-bag receipt / tag stub – barcode and tag number; photograph the physical tag attached to the suitcase.
• Baggage irregularity report (PIR) – written report with reference number, agent name, station stamp, telephone and e-mail. Record the claim/reference number in your phone immediately.
• Passport or government ID – copy and photo of the page used for travel; include visa pages if relevant.
• E-ticket / itinerary – the electronic receipt showing fares and connections; keep the confirmation e-mail and PDF.

Collect proofs that document contents and value.

• Original purchase receipts or invoices for electronics, jewellery, cameras, watches, designer items – include model numbers and serial numbers.
• Warranty cards, insurance appraisals or valuation certificates for high-value items.
• Photos or short video of the suitcase interior and each high-value item, clearly showing serial numbers and identifying marks; timestamped if possible.
• Credit card or bank statements showing purchases when original receipts are not available.

Collect receipts for interim expenses you expect to claim.

• Emergency purchase receipts (clothing, basic toiletries, phone chargers) showing date, store and amount. Make a brief written note explaining the necessity of each purchase and keep originals.
• Currency conversion receipts if purchases were made in a foreign currency; include the exchange rate or bank conversion record.

Collect documents for special circumstances.

• Police report when theft is suspected – original report with reference number, officer name and contact details.
• Customs declaration forms if items were purchased abroad or inspected by customs.
• Repair or replacement invoices if the case involves damage or you purchase a replacement bag; include photos of damage and the repair estimate.

How to prepare and submit documentation

1. Make an itemised inventory: columns for item description, brand, serial number, purchase date, original price and attached receipt filename or photo reference.
2. Scan or photograph every original receipt and the PIR; save as PDF/JPEG. Filename format: ClaimRef_Type_Date (e.g., ABC123_PIR_2025-08-21.pdf).
3. Send digital copies to the carrier and your insurer within 24 hours of filing the PIR; keep delivery/read receipts for e-mails or upload confirmations.
4. Keep all originals until the final settlement is issued; do not discard receipts even after submitting electronic copies.
5. Retain a backup set: one digital copy in cloud storage and one local copy on your device.

What to do if the carrier cannot locate your bag: escalation, deadlines and small-claims options

Send a formal written claim to the carrier’s complaints department by registered post and by email with read-receipt, demand a substantive reply within 14 days, and preserve the right to commence court proceedings if the response is unsatisfactory.

Deadlines and liability limits

Treat the 21-calendar-day period after the date your item should have been returned as the industry standard for declaring property irretrievable; after that point claim for full reimbursement rather than temporary expenses. Under the Montreal Convention the carrier’s maximum liability for checked items is 1,288 SDRs per passenger (convert using the current SDR rate at your bank or central bank website). The statutory time limit to bring a civil action is generally two years from the date the baggage should have been made available; verify local law in case domestic rules differ.

Escalation steps and small-claims workflow

1) Escalate internally: ask for a written escalation to the carrier’s head of claims or legal department and obtain a case number. 2) Send a final demand letter by registered post and email listing PNR/booking reference, property tag numbers, PIR/report reference, itemised losses with receipts or market-value estimates, bank details for payment, the exact amount claimed in the currency of the contract and a 14-calendar-day payment deadline. 3) If the carrier neither pays nor offers a written settlement, file in small-claims court at the forum allowed by the contract of carriage (commonly either the carrier’s principal place of business or the claimant’s residence). Typical small-claims monetary ceilings: UK up to £10,000 on the small-claims track; US limits vary by state (commonly between $2,500 and $25,000). Check the local court’s claim form and fee schedule; attach copies of the final demand, booking documentation and receipts. 4) Consider alternative dispute resolution: contact the national enforcement body, aviation ombudsman or a consumer protection agency specific to the country that issued your ticket before filing suit; many bodies will accept complaints and can issue binding or persuasive decisions.

Preserve originals and certified copies of all documents: boarding pass, bag tags, PIR, claim correspondence, repair/replacement receipts and photographs of items. Keep records of any emergency purchases (for example a replacement umbrella) and include those receipts in the claim – short-term items like umbrellas can be supported by receipts such as best patio umbrella replacement cord. When preparing for court, quantify depreciation and provide current retail evidence for high-value items; if the carrier cites the international SDR cap, prepare conversion evidence for the court.